Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Pine Marten UK Recovery 2026

Pine marten populations are recovering in Scotland and spreading into England and Wales - monitoring supports individual welfare during recolonisation.

Key Facts

Pine martens were reduced to a Scottish stronghold by the early 20th century
Recovery in Scotland has been dramatic, with English and Welsh reintroductions underway
Pine martens have been shown to suppress grey squirrel populations, benefiting red squirrels
Camera traps enable individual identification and territory monitoring without disturbance
Road mortality is the primary welfare concern for recolonising individuals

Welfare Considerations

Individual pine martens recolonising new territories benefit from legal protection and reduced persecution. Road mortality during dispersal represents the primary individual welfare challenge in recovery populations.

What You Can Do

Support Vincent Wildlife Trust pine marten monitoring and translocation programmes
Report pine marten sightings to national monitoring schemes
Advocate for wildlife crossing structures in landscapes with recovering pine marten populations